In 1992, Vivian Campbell joined the mega-success rock group Def Leppard, stepping into the second lead guitarist slot left vacate by Steve Clark, who had died the year before. At the time, Campbell had gone a few years out of the spotlight after leaving David Coverdale’s rock supergroup Whitesnake before signed on with the Leps, a position he’s had for nearly 20 years that remains his most high-profile gig to date.

The Irish-born Campbell, who got big break back in 1983 as Ronnie James Dio’s hot-shot lead guitarist in the former Black Sabbath frontman’s newly created solo band, Dio, has always said that the guitar parts in Def Leppard weren’t really challenging to him and he was fine with that. Now, the guitarist is finally bitching about it, complaining that fellow Lep guitarist Phil Collen gets all the good guitar parts. Let’s just say, I told you so.

When I first heard Campbell had joined Def Leppard, who at the time had abandoned their traditional rock roots and were in the throes of commercial success, I couldn’t imagine the guitarist would be satisfied playing such with pop hits like “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and “Love Bites.” Campbell had previously wowed audiences with his blistering solos on classic tunes like Dio’s “Rainbow In The Dark,” “Last In Line,” and “Holy Diver,” but I understand, the dude needs to earn a living. Let’s face it, he was probably making pennies in Dio and Whitesnake, since he was essentially hired help in those bands. Shortly after joining Def Leppard, I read an interview with Campbell in a guitar magazine where the writer asked him how he felt about not doing his typical intense soloing. His answer was something to the affect that now it was easier for him, that he didn’t have to play such difficult solos anymore, and I was like, that’s your bank account talking there, dude.

More curious was why the Leps would even need a soloist like Campbell if they were going to continue on in the pop world (which they did, although not as successfully as with the Hysteria album). The band already had Collen, who joined the group on their third album Pyromania and proved he had the chops on songs like “Photograph,” so why bring on Campbell? I still don’t know.

So now it’s been 19 years that Campbell has been in Def Leppard, but can anyone name a memorable solo he’s done since? I can’t. Two decades later and it’s finally come to light that not only has Campbell been relegated to mainly to simple chords and riffs, but that he’s still essentially a hired hand, thanks to recent comments (via BM) made by bandmate Phil Collen when he was told of Campbell’s complaints that he gets all the good solos.

Here’s Collin’s response about why he gets all the good solos:

Because it’s all my shit. Vivian joined a band that I helped create. He’s coming into my house! It’s not all the good parts, it’s the Def Leppard sound that me and Steve created.

We got together with Mutt Lang, and there was already a sound in place. Also, we play all the hits live, which were written before Viv was in the band.

Collen’s attitude towards Campbell is not unlike that of Metallica’s when Jason Newsted joined the band, replacing original bassist Cliff Burton, who’d died in a tragic accident. Metallica hazed the crap out of Newsted, and even after 15 years with the band — while Burton had only been with Metallica for 4 years at the time of his death — and playing on their most financially successful albums, the bassist was still considered the “new guy” and not given his due. (Everyone remember how Newsted’s bass parts were lowered in the mix so drastically on 1988′s …And Justice For All that they were practically non-existent? Yeah, that’s some bullshit right there.)

The Leps did and are still doing that same kind of thing to Campbell. They hired a guitar virtuoso only to tie his hands, and what, dangle all that Hysteria money in front of him so he knows he’ll never be rich like the rest of the band? He’ll have to make due with what he earns from co-writing “Demolition Man” I guess. (Does he even solo on that song? Apparently some Formula One racing champ did a guest solo on the song. Oh yeah, another slap in ol’ Viv’s face.)

Before reading Campbell’s comments about his solos in Def Leppard, I had wondered if he was even still in the band, as he’s also now playing with his fellow countrymen in the reunited Thin Lizzy.

I know a lot of you are fans of Def Leppard, what do you think of Campbell’s contributions to Def Leppard?

As a huge Def Leppard fan, I just want to know who specifically is responsible for the awful albums X, Yeah and Sparkle Lounge. Every album before that was great.

Steve

Let’s not forget how bad “Slang” was too. Def Leppard was awesome once, but they got lazy doing covers and lost their edge. They need to quit playing the crap pop and get back to their Pyromania roots.

I don’t think Viv has done anything for the band. The music died with Steve Clark.

http://geeksofdoom.com Dave3

I honestly don’t know what Vivian expected. You join a band with a huge preexisting catalogue, you’ve got very little opportunity to influence their sound without making waves, enemies, etc. I always figured he took the easy gig for cash and giggles.

catcrimsongirl

If Viv was not happy he could have quit at any time. No one’s holding a gun to his head. He’s been making EASY killer money. He has songs he has written on the albums. If he wanted to be flashy he could have then. No one in the band is holding him back. It seems that people writing these articles are trying to make much more out of this that there is.

swillis31

This article really doesn’t make sense to me. First off, noone (other than hardcore metal fans) would even know that Viv was soloing for Dio (bc Dio wasn’t that good anyway).

Second, and most important, Viv was brought on bc he was as friend (and very talented guitarist) and Def Lep are a band that are about collaboration, especially when it comes to guitars. I have seen many live performances of Def Lep from the 90′s (when Viv was in the band and given solos) and it is very apparent that he just runs with it rather than play the solos correctly or tries for something that captures the fans.

Just because you are talented doesn’t mean that you are a great songwriter / contributor.

Two of my all-time fav DL songs are written by Viv (“To Be Alive”, “Cruise Control”), but that means little in the grand scheme. He needs to really focus on the music and not the fact that he is in a legendary band. The more I look at his recent comments, the less I support him as a collaborative musician (and thus a member of Def Leppard).

http://www.atomstrange.com Alex Rude

Viv Campbell is a frigging cry-baby! Wah Wah Wah! He bad mouths people all the time and is never grateful for the fact that he is actually an extremely lucky man. I personally know about a dozen guitarists that blow him away and are exceptional song-writers and could easily replace him in DL. He was also a real pain in the ass with Dio never giving Dio the props or respect for giving him his first opportunity to make an exceptional living as a professional musician. Ask any other musicians if they would like to play in bands like Dio or Def Leppard. They will ALL tell you that they would do it in a heartbeat. He cries and cries but has never done anything worth mentioning other than to be a hired hand. Have you heard his only solo album? WEAK is putting it nicely and it’s all covers except for one awful song. And now he is playing with Thin Lizzy too. He would not have gotten that gig if not for the guys in Def Leppard who happen to have suggested Campbell to them at his request! I bet that in a year or two he will be calling Scott Gorham some awful things because he isn’t satisfied with his role in Thin Lizzy. And BTW-One of the reasons he got the gig in DL was because he has a UK passport. I used to really like Campbell as a lead player,especially with Dio, but as I learn more and more about him, I want him to just keel over. What an ingrate! Here’s a link to a special word from Ronnie James Dio about Viv Campbellhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOwZBo8FQvo

Geebs

“This article really doesn’t make sense to me. First off, noone (other than hardcore metal fans) would even know that Viv was soloing for Dio (bc Dio wasn’t that good anyway).”

Stopped reading. All further statements invalidated.

doctorjonesy

Um, I don’t get it. The dude could have left at any time. There’s no point blaming everyone else – he chose to stay. Seems like the money was a good enough reason to keep him there, which is fair enough. But having made his choices, he needs to take some responsibility for them. Not saying he can’t bitch about the band, but he does need to acknowledge that ultimately it was his choice to stay.

JT

“This article really doesn’t make sense to me. First off, noone (other than hardcore metal fans) would even know that Viv was soloing for Dio (bc Dio wasn’t that good anyway).”

Stopped reading. All further statements invalidated.

YEP. That’s as far as I read too!

Ricardo

To me Vivian has not contributed properly in the growth of the band. On the other hand Steve Clark was a Monster writing riffs and harmonies, Steve was the soul of this band, the substance, the cool, original wild side of the leps. I think they should take a really loooong vacation after retro-active. I love this band, this band is my life but up to now I couldnt able to hear X, the cover album and the last album… its just unbearable it makes me cry. For god sakes gimme that guitar attack again, those epic bridges and memorable chorus without sound like a bunch of pussies. I started to listen the really OLD music from the lep on youtube even before the OTTN album god these guys were just pure genius. Beyond the temple, glad Im alive, heat street. what happen with the almigthy leps?

Racer X

Dio wasn’t that good? Blasphemy!

Steve

Steve Clark and Phil Collen were like magic together. They have never gotten that sound back since Steve died.

Kruker

I honestly thought when Vivian joined the band given his background that he would contribute greatly and keep the hard edge, but apparently the contributions and albums havent been hard nor memorable. Im a huge fan and read an artical recently that Vivian has wanted the band to go back to writing songs like they used to on High and Dry and Pyromania.. I still hold out hope for one last great rock album

Breegecorr

Excuse me, Phil Collen, but it’s not “all you S*!T”. Correct me if I am wrong Vivian was brought in to play the parts that Steve played?? So why isn’t he doing that. I suggest people go see Vivian with Thin Lizzy then you will see what an imensely talented guy he is.

W3wooten

Viv’s solos with Dio were great.

Xkalliber

Steve Clarke and Pete Willis were def leppard. Vivian Campbell deserves much better.Phil turned into a wuss when he dropped the Ibanez destroyer

Xkalliber

Steve Clarke and Pete Willis were def leppard. Vivian Campbell deserves much better.Phil turned into a wuss when he dropped the Ibanez destroyer

OobLem

In a recent interview posted on DEF LEPPARD’s official web site, current DEF LEPPARD/former DIO guitarist Vivian Campbell talked about his disdain for hard rock. “The real irony of that is I actually don’t like hard rock music,” he said. “I know it’s a strange thing to say, but I don’t really care about my past contributions. Even now I still get these guys coming up to me going ‘Duuuuuuuude!’, giving me the DIO devil sign and yelling ‘Holy Diver!!’ and ‘Rainbow In The Dark, whoo hoo!!’ and it’s cool that they remember it, but that music never mattered to me — and still doesn’t.” Campbell went on to praise and rip Ronnie James Dio, with whom he had an acrimonious split in the mid-’80s, “Oh yeah, night after night, [Ronnie] was absolutely on the money,” Vivian said. “An incredibly strong voice and within that niche genre of dungeons and dragons and rainbows and midgets… You know, the sorta old school heavy metal, he’s an incredible talent. But he’s an awful businessman and way more importantly, one of the vilest people in the industry.”

A friend.

OK, let me state the truth about this article. Vivian Campbell has NEVER complained about Def Leppard, or about his guitar parts in the band, and second, Phill Collen NEVER made those allegations about Vivian. It is clear that whoever wrote this article not only has gotten the information from an unreliable source or might as well made it all up to get traffic to this blog. Let me give you the facts:

After Clark died, Collen was faced with the challenge of not only dealing with the loss of a friend and band-mate, but also with the burden and responsibility of the Adrenalize recordings. The music had been written by this time, but Clark’s playing style differed so much from Collen’s that actually recording all of his parts proved very difficult. While Clark’s playing style was rhythmic, melodic, and sometimes even characterized as “sloppy,” Collen’s style was technical and precise, leading to difficulties in mimicking the sound of Clark’s guitar parts. Due to the aftermath of Clark’s death, as well as the issues with the recording of Adrenalize. At this point, given the circumstances, Collen seriously considered leaving Def Leppard. According to Joe Elliot, Collen said that he couldn’t bear to play guitar anymore after Clark’s death. He said, “I’d rather be a plumber.” However, once Vivian Campbell joined the band to replace the spot of second guitarist shortly before the Adrenalize tour, Collen was relieved of some of the pressures of the “overkill” production style of Def Leppard, as well as the challenge of reproducing Clark’s guitar parts for live shows.

Therefore my dear friends, if anything Vivian has been considered a blessing for the band, and Phill Collen. When Joe Elliott introduced him to the band and ever since, they have referred as the Co-lead guitar player in the band. Not to mention that you can’t really see Vivian’s influence until the album Slang in 1996, given the fact that Adrenalize had already been recorded and Reto-Active was a compilation of b-sides that were just “polished” and updated for a fresher sound. In “SLANG” as much as in “EUPHORIA” for those who have the albums, you can see that the soloing on each song is disclosed as who does the soloing in what song, and you realize that they both have it 50/50. In no album Vivian is described as as the “rhythm” guitar as both Phill and him are mentioned as simply “guitar/backing vocals”. Even in the “X” album you will see that Vivian is mentioned before Phill in order of picture pages, and the soloing is not disclosed as “X” was intended to not have many solos. It was the mutual direction the band wanted to take. The “Yeah” album is an album of covers and it is not relevant who does what however the soloing is shared as well, and finally, “Song’s From The Sparkle Lounge” has the similar disclosure as the “X” album, mentioning both as “guitar/backing vocals” and because of the more “raw” approach of the album the soloing is again noticeable and shared. The song “Bad Actress” is a perfect example of both guitarists talents when the “duel” of explosive guitars can be heard, Vivian starting with the soloing on he left speaker and Phill responding on the right untill they both end up playing together but with a different sound in an amazing outro solo. Please listen to the song or go here to appreciate it and see it with our own eyes:

Vivian is lucky and grateful to be in Def Leppard, and the band is also happy with him. He is a great guitar player and so is Phil, together they both contribute playing and songwriting. Def Leppard’s music doesn’t lend for metallic shredding soloing anymore, whether people want to accept it or not, they have had to evolve and change.

Finally, I will state that there are NO EGOS whatsoever in a band like Def Leppard, they have endured too much as a band, if they were proud and cared about who does what and how and when, Rick Allen would not be the drummer of the band. When he lost his arm they stuck with him and encouraged him to play the drums. When Steve Clark died they dealt with it and kept on making music, and when Joe Elliott’s voice started to suffer and he couldn’t strain it anymore, the band adapted to it and kept on going. They are a band of friends, always loyal to each other. Enough said.

Look at the facts, do your research and if you disagree here is my e-mail:

equinoxe03@.com

Lawlessd

I find this funny – Vivian finally bitches about his guitar parts in Def Leppard. First of all, “finally”- been waiting for this have you??, If you refer to the recent interview on the Thin Lizzy tour of Germany, well , you are way off the mark. I heard that interview and what he actually said is that in Thin Lizzy he gets to solo in every song, while in Def Leppard he get to sing and its a different type of performance. He didn’t say one is better than the other, and he sure as hell didn’t bitch. If you have followed his career then you will see that he prides himself on being a decent singer as well as a guitar player. Thin Lizzy was one of his favourite bands as a kid, so you can see his joy at getting to play with his heros.

As for Alex Rudes comments above concerning his solo album – Really? His solo album was a blues record, he paid homage to his inspirations; Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore and others. If you aren’t familiar with their work then you can’t appreciate Vivian’s solo album. It was a side project for him.

As for the fact that he has a British Passport, I think you are grasping at straws. That would have absolutely nothing to do with it. I saw an interview with Joe Elliott on TV some years ago and he said that one of the great things about Vivian in the band is that they come from the same culture – he knows what soccer is and watched the same TV shows like Black Adder. Elliott cited different backgrounds as why bands like Whitesnake kept changing personnel; they who had a Dutch guitarist, and a South American dummer. The reason Vivian was brought into Def Leppard ( after a lengthy audition process) was that he was a professional musician, familiar with heavy touring, contributing what the music required and a whole bunch of other skills other than guitar playing. The fact that Def Leppard changed musical direction several times since he joined is not his fault. He and other Def Leppard band members have said time and again that fans want their classic songs, most of which predate Vivian joining Def Leppard. As another commentator said, Def Leppard are a tight family, and I never seen anything that suggests Vivian is a hired hand.

I find that Ronnie James Dio clip on youtube quite funny. Ronnie James Dio cultivated a “gentleman of Rock” image and the guy with the cameraphone caught him when he let the mask slip. Maybe someone can point out the article or interview where Vivian called Dio a vile person? I’ve never seen it. I have seen an interview with Vivian Campbell where he said that he and the other guys in Dio were treated badly, including a promise where they would be paid appropriately after a few years. On joining Dio he was paid a pittance. Ronnie and his wife/manager reneged on the deal. Put yourself in the same shoes – your employer treats you badly and then refuses to pay you. You wouldn’t be happy that’s for sure. That there is continuous discussion on the Campbell/Dio debate, only stems from the fact that both were good at what they did.

Saltbox41

Dio was great. Viv is a bitter hack.

Ajwedlock

This is just a bullshit piece of muckraking. I saw Def Leppard twice on their Mirror Ball tour and the awesome chemistry between Viv and the rest of the band is patently obvious.

Doc Dougherty

Helloooo? He was the ONLY guitarist in DIO. Ryhthm and lead…..enough with the “he used to solo a lot” talk. He did all the solos in DIO. DIO also had Keyboards too, by the way. Not really as “METAL” as everyone likes to think. Definitely more keys than the Leps, y’all….HA! OH and Viv always wanted to be in a real band, that were, ah, nice to each other?….and was more into rock/pop music than METAL anyhow…so as an artist…….DIO was the sellout move…NOT Def Leppard !!! He plays fucking Tom Petty on a recent DL release, FCS!

Fullthrottle7

Well, first and foremost, I love Def Leopard, but Phil C is a LONG way away from being a signature guitar player from his era like Eddie, Randy, Yngwie or even Vivian. That said, Vivian WAS. I think it is sad that he claims that none of the music he created with Dio meant anything to him. As a fellow guitar player, I can tell he was IN to what he was playing at that time. I saw him live and watch the videos.

Moore-Schenker fan

Vivian Campbell should be playing second to no one! Least of all Phil Collen! Sorry, I have never liked Def-Leppard and there sugar sweet bubble gum rock. Would love to see the Riverdogs get back together. For those of you unfamiliar with that group or for that matter Shadow king, do yourself a favor and check them out.

Robert

Funny..I saw Vivian from the stage atop of the set last night in PA. He has a smile on hios face as big as an elephants ass and he was ripping it. I was working the show as a stagehand. He definitely is not reduced to the second guitarist. Who wrote this crap any way? As far as the money goes..sure it’s a job. who wouldn’t want a job that probably paid at minimum 20 grand a for a 90 minute set. I wouldn’t worry about the glory if it were me. There are always side projects if you aren’t happy. I wish I had his job.

GreenButterfly

Def Leppard really lost that something special when Steve Clark died. He was more crucial to the band than anybody expected and his passing proved just how valuable he really was. Personally I think the members of Def Leppard should have looked at more than a passport, I didn’t know Vivian Cambell but he never seemed to be the right fit. If he is complaining, he shouldn’t, he jumped at the opportunity and I don’t know if he went in blind but any new guitarist was heading for a rocky road unless they turned out to be Eddie Van Halen in raw talent and extensive great songwriting. I hope the guys in Def Leppard give themselves time off to really get their magic back again, with or without Vivian. Realistically, the guys are almost 30 years older and so are we, maybe another Pyromania, High & Dry or Hysteria would be asking too much, but another super album capturing the sound, strength and magic of all three combined, would be wonderful. Keeping the faith!

the devil

It’s pretty obvious from all the articles and even listening to Vivian’s playing that he quit giving a crap about what he was doing in Dio and wanted to be a complete sellout. Holy Diver is a monstrous offering and the best you’ll ever get from Viv, period. Nothing he does will ever top it and he gets to live with knowing that the rest of his life. I don’t have much respect for anyone who sells out. As soon as you put the almighty dollar above your desire to play and raw talent, you’ve given up. Needed money to support a family and pay bills? Maybe you should have considered that before having a family and putting yourself in a financial situation that required more cash and less soul.

wuncebitten13

Vivian Campbell is a guitar god! Plain and simple. Phil Collen is acting like he was a founder of the band. He Phil remember little Pete Willis? Those first two albums were killer. Phil never played a lick till Pyromania.

John Brodsky

Although I don’t follow Def Leppard like I did in the 80′s, the only contribution I can see Vivian making to Def Leppard is to ease the concerns for the rest of the band that when preforming …that the guitar parts WILL be played correctly. Why not have an awesome guitarist fill those shoes… Possibly, also …if Collen was unable to preform then Campbell could jump right in and fill that spot. He’s more than capable. All in all, I believe Campbell just wanted to make bank and who can honestly blame him.

geri lark

Whay a pile of absolute crap if your going to write about something at least have a bit of a clue about what you’re talking about two years on and Viv is still in leppard obviously not that unhappy! !

zaldy zr

I see this post and it’s quite funny for me…

why did you see this as problem is because you don’t see any participation from Viv, well my advice is you better see them live! Viv play solo lick alongside with Phil in some Euphoria era songs like Paper Sun and Promises. but why did a good metal guitarist like him join Def Leppard? a dude needs a living my friend!

for me “Slang” was a failure for them as “Def Leppard” but “Slang” still contain all aspects of Leps like Harmonic vocals and double guitar attack. Euphoria was a prominent pull-back to their previous concepts and back to 80′s era rock with some touch of pop music and for me, euphoria was a magnificent album. what about X ? some people said that it is disastrous album for them, what I see is it’s their efforts to strive through the music industry that’s already invaded by a popular genre of music like pop, electronic-rock, grunge, britpop, etc. but overall leps really do great on that album because they pull in a new fans in pop. the next is, Songs from the Sparkle Lounge. one words “RAW” the production method’s back to the method used to produce their 1st or 2nd albums (I’m not quite sure). HALLUCINATE and ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG feels still leps.

just Imagine when you’ve got a band and your drummer lost one of his arms, you got your guitarist died and you got your vocalist lost his voice. what would you do?

they’re an ARTIST not a ROBOT. stop complaining!

Aaron Cunningham

it is sad to see such an unbelievable guitar player Like viv Campbell playing with Phil CollEn he’s not bad for Def Leppard but he is no Adrian Vandenberg by any stretch of the imagination Vivian and Adrian were awesome together. please Viv I’m sure you have plenty of cake break off and do something cool Again Grab Adrian to help outor maybe Jake E Lee if you have heard badlands you’ll know what I’m talking about you guys fucking rock together

The Shock Master

The article is a joke and those quotes don’t exist. If you seen a Def Leppard show since 1992 Viv plays some of Phil’s solos on Armageddon IT, etc. Def Leppard commercial success has taken a step back since Viv joined the band and that trademark guitar sound that made them popular can’t be recreated by Viv but Def Leppard is still rolling. If you want to listen to Viv doing wide guitar solo’s go download some crappy Dio or Whitesnake bullshit cause Def Leppard is for more.

Vivian Cambell

They are a tree with dead roots. So they are what they are. Steve Clark was the esthetics leader of the band with Phil joining in. It would have been much easier to replace Phil with a Viv than Clark, who was unique.